Chemistry is central to virtually all areas of modern science and technology, providing a foundation for fields such as biochemistry, chemical engineering, food science, materials science, geology, nanotechnology and pharmacology.
Introduction
It is the science of the molecular scale, and encompasses the synthesis and study of molecules and materials, the exploration of their properties and the development of ways to use them.
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Course description, features and facilities
In this course, you will develop an understanding of the mechanisms, reactions and processes that occur at the molecular level. You will study the elements that make up all matter, and how they interact with each other to construct living organisms, transmit power from the sun, produce minerals and fuel environmental processes. To complement your lectures from renowned experts in their various fields, you will have the chance to discuss, apply and expand on the theory of your unit in weekly practical laboratory classes. The Bayliss Building in the School of Biomedical, Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences is equipped with excellent laboratory facilities for undergraduate teaching. Its teaching and research laboratories are supported by state-of-the-art instrumentation for the important methods of structure determination (nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), X-ray crystallography and mass spectrometry), as well as a wide variety of complementary techniques.
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Student profile
Student profile – Claudia Kam
Chemistry enriched my understanding of how different molecules interact with each other and how these interactions alter their structure and function. My part in a third year research project gave me a feel for life in the research world and the freedom to plan and carry out different experiments.
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Structure
UWA's streamlined course structure allows you to pursue studies in a wide range of areas and to take one or two majors in your degree. Your second major can be from a similar field to your first (degree-specific) major, or from a different area or degree entirely.
As well as the units specified in your major, you will study broadening units outside your main area of study and may be able to take a number of elective subjects as well.
You can explore the structure of this major in detail in the University Handbooks.
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Professional Recognition
Graduates will be eligible for membership of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute, the organisation for chemistry professionals in Australia.
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Career opportunities
Chemistry graduates will be in demand over the next decade in chemical manufacturing and processing industries such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, fine chemicals, metals, polymers, electricity, steel, mining and petroleum. Career opportunities can be found in analytical and quality control laboratories as environmental and analytical or forensic chemists, in universities, scientific institutes, government or private sector laboratories as research chemists, and in secondary or tertiary institutions as teachers. Diverse roles in private companies, local councils, state and federal government regulatory authorities and hospitals are other possibilities.
I want to be a…
This course could lead to becoming a:
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Further study opportunities
Students with a chemistry major can pursue further studies at
honours level, Graduate Diploma in Science, Master of Science or PhD. Other further study options include the Master of Food Science, Master of Forensic Science, and the Master of Science (Chemistry), Master of Teaching, Master of Science Communication and the Master of Science Communication and Education.
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Check the Entrance requirements
This course is available to Australian and international students.
On this page
- Prerequisites and minimum scores
- Additional information
- Recommended subjects
- English competency
- Advanced standing
Prerequisites and minimum scores
| Qualification and prerequisite subjects | Course entry score |
|---|
Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE)
- A scaled score of 50 or above in WACE Chemistry 3A/3B
- A scaled score of 50 or above in WACE Mathematics 3C/3D
| 80 |
International Baccalaureate
- A score of 4 or above in HL Chemistry
- A score of 4 or above in HL Mathematics
| 29 |
Additional information
If you do not have a pass in Mathematics Specialist 3A/3B or 3C/3D, you will need to do an additional mathematics unit during your first year.
If you do not have a pass in Chemistry 3A/3B, you will need to do an introductory chemistry unit during your first year.
Please note: to complete this major within the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) will require a minimum ATAR of 98 (or equivalent).
Recommended subjects
| Qualification and recommended subjects |
|---|
Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE)
- A scaled score of 50 or above in WACE Mathematics: Specialist 3A/3B
- A scaled score of 50 or above in WACE Physics 3A/3B
- A scaled score of 50 or above in WACE Mathematics: Specialist 3C/3D
|
International Baccalaureate
- A score of 4 or above in SL or HL Mathematics (at least Mathematical Methods)
- A score of 4 or above in HL Physics
- A score of 4 or above in HL Mathematics or in SL Further Mathematics
|
English competency
University study demands strong English language competency. To be eligible for admission to a undergraduate program at UWA, you must demonstrate satisfactory performance in a UWA-approved test of English. This is the case even if English is your first language.
The minimum requirement is a scaled score of 50 or more in WACE English, Literature or English as an Additional Language/Dialect achieved at Stage 2 or Stage 3 – or an equivalent level of achievement in an interstate or international qualification.
Advanced standing
If you have undertaken prior tertiary study within the last five years, you may be eligible for advanced standing (credit and/or exemption).
Applications for advanced standing are assessed upon acceptance of any offer of admission made by the University.
On this page
- Prerequisites and minimum scores
- Advanced standing
Prerequisites and minimum scores
| Qualification and prerequisite subjects | Course entry score |
|---|
French Baccalaureat
| 12 |
International Baccalaureate
| 29 |
UWA Foundation Programme (UWAFP)
| 66 |
GCE or Cambridge Advanced-level Examinations
| 8 |
Western Australian Universities Preparatory Program (WAUPP)
| 63 |
Trinity College Foundation Program
| 85 |
Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY)
| 270 |
Canadian Matriculation (except Quebec)
| 60 |
Chinese Unified Examinations (UEC)
| 12 |
Chinese Gao Kao
| 525 |
All India Senior School Certificate (CBSE)
| 12 |
Indian School Certificate (CISCE)
| 60 |
Norwegian Vitnemål
| 4.14 |
Swedish Slutbetyg
| 15.70 |
German Abitur
| 3.17 |
Singapore-Cambridge A-Levels
| 8 |
South African National Senior Certificate
| 4.60 |
These are the required prerequisites for applicants who have completed these particular qualifications.
If you are applying for a place based on other qualifications
you need to demonstrate that you have knowledge at least equivalent to the subjects specified.
Advanced standing
Students with previous tertiary level qualifications will be considered for advanced standing (credit).
How to apply
This course is available to Australian and international students.
On this page
- First semester entry
- Second semester entry
- How to apply
- Information for…
- Contact details - admission information
We have two intakes of undergraduate students each year: first and second semester.
First semester entry
Australian citizens or permanent residents, including humanitarian visa holders, and New Zealand citizens apply through the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre.
Contact the Admissions Centre for advice.
Second semester entry
Apply online for second semester entry to a range of courses at UWA.
After the closing date, contact the Admissions Centre for advice.
How to apply
Information for
UWA Admissions Centre (M353)
- Address
- The University of Western Australia
35 Stirling Highway
Crawley, Perth
Western Australia 6009
- Location
- UWA Map
- Telephone
- (+61 8) 6488 2477 – General enquiries
- 1800 653 050 – General enquiries (country callers)
- Fax
- (+61 8) 6488 1226
- Enquire on-line
- askUWA
- Opening hours
- Monday – Friday, 9am–4pm
On this page
- First semester entry
- Second semester entry
- How to apply
- Fees
- Information for…
- Contact details - admission information
First semester entry
International undergraduate applicants must complete this application form and submit it through an authorised UWA overseas representative or directly to the UWA International Centre.
You must also:
Second semester entry
International undergraduate applicants must complete this application form and submit it through an authorised UWA overseas representative or directly to the UWA International Centre.
You must also:
How to apply
This contains text about How to Apply - International
Fees
$30980, per year.
This figure has been arrived at by assuming that you study a full-time study load for one year made up of units all within the same fee band. As some units vary in cost, the actual student fee will depend on the mix of units you choose. The international student fees page has further details.
Information for
UWA International Centre (M352)
- Address
- The University of Western Australia
35 Stirling Highway
Crawley, Perth
Western Australia 6009
- Telephone
- (+61 8) 6488 3939
- Fax
- (+61 8) 9382 4071
- Contacts
- International Centre
- Enquire on-line
- askUWA
- Location
- UWA Map
- Opening hours
- Monday - Friday, 9am - 4pm
- About UWA
- Find out what makes UWA an internationally recognised university.
- Foundation and preparatory courses
- There are a range of programs available to help give you the opportunity to gain the academic qualifications or prerequisites required for admission to UWA.
- Social life on campus
- There are over 20,000 students enrolled at UWA - lots of new friends not only from Perth and Western Australia but from all areas in Australia and around the world.
